Winner: 2023 Excellence in Higher Education Prize
Professor Gita Sedghi
University of Liverpool
For outstanding contributions to excellence in higher education teaching and for having transformative impact on the student experience.
Professor Gita Sedghi has made significant contributions to excellence in higher education teaching and has had a transformative impact on the student learning experience. Gita has devised innovative ways of teaching to stimulate student engagement and enhance their learning. And she has created high quality inclusive resources to meet the requirements of a diverse community of students.
Biography
Gita Sedghi is Professor of Chemistry Education in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Liverpool. She has a sustained track record of developing and disseminating excellence in her teaching, for which she has received several awards, including the Principal Fellowship of HEA and the National Teaching Fellowship. She is a Fellow of the 欧美AV and an elected member of the 欧美AV Higher Education Group. Gita has devised innovative ways of teaching to stimulate student engagement and enhance their learning. She has created high quality inclusive resources to meet the requirements of a diverse community of students. Her teaching innovations, including internationalisation activities, peer-assisted learning, prelab tutoring system and initiatives to enhance maths teaching, showcase her inclusive approach and respect for various learning needs. She demonstrates her dedication to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion through her positions as the chair of the university's Culture & Student Experience Subgroup, her involvement in the Self-Assessment Team for Race Equality Charter, and her role as the Director of EDI in the School of Physical Sciences.
Collaborating with diverse group members, each with varying abilities, allows students to simulate real-world work environments where they interact with individuals from different backgrounds, levels of expertise, and cultures.
Professor Gita Sedghi
Q&A with Professor Gita Sedghi
In a few sentences, how does it feel to receive this prize and be recognised by colleagues for your contribution to chemistry education?
Receiving the 欧美AV 2023 Excellence in Higher Education Prize and being recognised by colleagues for my contribution to chemistry education is an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience. It signifies that my commitment and passion for chemistry education have left a positive impression within the academic community. It inspires me to continue my journey in transforming students鈥� experiences and fostering an inclusive environment in chemistry education where every student feels valued and empowered regardless of their background.
What would be your advice to educators who are working with colleagues going above and beyond, but are yet to nominate them for an 欧美AV Education prize?
I strongly recommend that educators nominate their exceptional colleagues for an 欧美AV Education prize. Being recognised for transformative contributions to chemistry education is an honour and an invaluable and inspiring experience that drives educators鈥� dedication. Nominating colleagues for their outstanding teaching excellence fosters a culture of recognition, passion for learning, and commitment to teaching within higher education. It encourages sharing best practices, benefiting students and enhancing their educational experiences.
How did you first become interested in chemistry or science?
I have been passionate about science and mathematics since my secondary school days. My interest in chemistry led me to pursue a degree in chemical engineering at university, where I could apply both my mathematical and chemistry knowledge to my chosen field of study. This educational background in chemical engineering equipped me with the necessary knowledge and skills to embark on a PhD in molecular electronics within the department of chemistry at the University of Liverpool.
Who or what has inspired you to have a role in education?
While pursuing my PhD, I demonstrated undergraduate modules within the department of chemistry. It didn鈥檛 take me long to recognise my passion for and enjoyment of teaching. Also, the course lecturers acknowledged and commended my teaching skills, encouraging me to pursue a teaching career.
Though I was thoroughly engaged in my PhD project and achieved significant success, combining teaching with my research enhanced my overall experience.
While writing my dissertation, an opportunity arose as a university teacher within the department of chemistry. The decision to shift my focus from research to teaching chemistry was challenging. However, my passion for teaching prevailed, leading me to pursue a fulfilling teaching career.
What motivates you?
I enjoy my time in lecture theatres, workshops, and labs, where I have the opportunity to explain the chemistry subject to my students. Witnessing the moment when a student grasps complex mathematical or chemistry concepts confirms that I'm in the perfect profession. My students' satisfaction and improved learning experiences serve as a constant source of motivation. There's no greater joy for me than the days of graduation when students sincerely recognise my contribution to their successful undergraduate journey.
I also greatly enjoy mentoring and assisting my colleagues in their professional growth.
It's truly fulfilling to contribute to their career advancement and see them progress up the professional ladder. Each successful mentee serves as a source of motivation, reinforcing my commitment to the mentoring role. Witnessing their successful journey in improving students' experiences and performance is motivating and fulfilling.
What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in chemistry?
I adopt a coaching approach when advising young individuals considering a career in chemistry. I encourage them to engage in self-reflection regarding their career aspirations and their envisioned future selves. My aim is to empower them to explore their options and make well-informed decisions. Whether their path leads to a career as a chemist or ventures into non-chemistry domains, it's crucial that they find fulfilment in their chosen profession and possess the necessary skill set.
I have implemented a research internship module for chemistry students, enabling students to undertake a six-week project overseas.
In this course, I use a variety of ways to help students assess their progress and improve their ability to set achievable short-term goals. This module supports students to reflect on their skill sets and career objectives, allowing them to make informed decisions about their chosen career path.
How have your students inspired you?
As a teacher, nothing makes me happier than seeing my students succeed. It is a constant source of inspiration that keeps me going every day. Seeing them grow academically and personally is incredibly rewarding. Whenever a student expresses their appreciation for the guidance and support they have received along their educational journey, it reminds me of why I am passionate about teaching.
What has been a highlight for you (either personally or in your career)?
My promotion to a chair in chemistry education is the highlight of my career. This achievement is not just a job title but the recognition of my contribution to and passion for chemistry education. Getting this promotion has made me feel truly fulfilled, and it has inspired me to keep striving for excellence in education.
What has been a challenge for you (either personally or in your career)?
I have faced various challenges contributing to my passion for education. A significant part of this passion stems from my personal journey of migrating from my home country in the Middle East, embarking on a new life, raising a family, and building a career. These transitions have provided me with firsthand experience in navigating the complexities of adapting to a new country and educational system.
As a woman of colour teaching chemistry and researching in education, I have put my own experiences of the challenges of accommodating to a new country and educational setting into practice to create an inclusive educational environment.
Why do you think teamwork is important in science?
Collaboration is a fundamental element of education, including in science. Students sharing information and discussing chemistry topics within a group fosters deep learning and promotes critical thinking skills. Collaborating with diverse group members, each with varying abilities, allows students to simulate real-world work environments where they interact with individuals from different backgrounds, levels of expertise, and cultures.
I consistently emphasise the significance of both soft and hard skills to my students.
Teamwork enhances transferable skills that future employers highly value. Within my Key Skills for Chemists module, I draw attention to the 欧美AV's strategy, which recognises and rewards innovation, collaboration, teamwork, and leadership and upholds ethical and professional standards.
For a bit of fun.
....What is your favourite element?My favourite element is carbon because it greatly simplifies my role as a lecturer when explaining the concept of spontaneity in thermodynamics. I find that using the transformation of diamond into graphite resonates with students and ensures their understanding of the concept. I typically begin by explaining that the transition from diamond to graphite, under ambient conditions, is a spontaneous process. This statement captures their attention. I then continue that the rate of this transformation is extremely slow, reassuring them that their diamonds remain safe. It's an example that they never forget.